In a turn of events, San Antonio Spurs’ Tiago Splitter has decided to play for Spanish team Valencia (which also has Spurs draftee Nando De Colo on the roster) for the duration of the NBA lockout according to tubabasket.com.

The report goes on to say Splitter and Valencia are in the final stages of negotiations and a deal could be finalized today.

As for the reports he was on his way to Unicaja Malaga, the report states the team’s sports director, Manolo Rubia, has stated the team did not sign Splitter and a reason given was due to the high costs associated with bringing Tiago to the team.

I am sure an opt-out clause will be given but adding Splitter will do wonders for Valencia. The team lacks size and Florent Pietrus needs help in the paint. Not only that, Splitter could also help De Colo in his basketball development and give Nando some pointers on what the Spurs expect from their players.